Author Topic: For anyone dealing with Autism...  (Read 333 times)

Offline Sabre

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3112
      • Rich Owen
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« on: November 05, 2007, 09:34:59 AM »
My son has Aspergers, a form of autism.  Approximately 1 in 160 children born today are likely to have some form of autism (an order of 10 increase from only a few decades ago :O ), ranging from the higher-function forms like Asperger Syndrome to full-blown classic autism.

My son recently graduated from high school (something we sometimes wondered if he'd manage).  I was so proud of him, that I wrote and recorded a song about his life (and my wife and I as well, when it comes down to it), called "Don't Give Up On Me."  If you or someone you know is dealing with autism, give the song a listen (and pass the link along).  You can find it at http://www.myspace.com/richowen61 .  I hope it provides comfort and inspiration to anyone dealing with this in their life.  If it does, and you can take the time, leave a comment on the song on my webpage.  Thanks, and God bless.
Sabre
"The urge to save humanity almost always masks a desire to rule it."

Offline Sabre

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3112
      • Rich Owen
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2007, 03:55:03 PM »
Bump...
Sabre
"The urge to save humanity almost always masks a desire to rule it."

Offline midnight Target

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 15114
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2007, 04:11:40 PM »
I liked it. Well done.

Offline texasmom

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6078
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2007, 06:28:02 PM »
Very nice indeed.
:)

For the last several years we've considered having one of our kids tested for Aspergers.  Decided against it though (for the time being).  He does have tourette's syndrome though.

I'm not certain if it's the wisest choice, but instead of anything else we've been hammering in self-discipline, self-respect for himself,  and respect for others. So no matter what, he'll be able to make it through, plus along the way not demolish himself or others while he's trying to make it.
<S> Easy8
<S> Mac

Offline FBplmmr

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1012
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2007, 06:32:55 PM »
well done! :aok

Offline Gunslinger

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 10084
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2007, 06:55:36 PM »
This is kinda interesting cause "Sean the destroyer", my son, turned five in april and has started displaying the signs of ADHD at home.  He does awsome in school and kindergarten is a joke for him.  At home when he's taking a break from Xbox he does these 1-3 grade books that have problems in them dealing with math and english.  He finishes them in no time and they are no challenge to him.

At home he's a monster.  He just goes 110% all the time and doesn't quite listen as well as he once did.  

I tell Mrs. Gunslinger that he's a typical 5 year old boy.  Hyper and non-attentive.  

I'm not sure if I'm in denial that there's a problem or I just refuse to beleive that some kids today need to be diagnosed with a "Medical problem" to explain their behavior.  There is no way I want him tested and put on meds at this point in time.

Kudos for you for keeping at it though!

Offline mentalguy

  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 667
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2007, 06:56:39 PM »
from someone with Aspergers.
PFC. Corey "Mentalguy" Gibson
USMC

Offline Sabre

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3112
      • Rich Owen
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2007, 10:26:02 AM »
Thanks very much, folks.  Bbplumber, thanks for the nice comment you left on the webpage (http://www.myspace.com/richowen61 ).

Texasmom, I think you're on the right track for now, as long as they're able to cope in school.  In the mean time, read up on Aspergers, as it might give you some ideas on how to deal more effectively with them.  Love, patience, flexibility, and firm parenting are still the most effective tools you've got.  While the diagnosis can unlock certain resources within the school district, I would only seek it as a last resort.

Gunslinger, same advice.  I'm no expert (even after raising four kids), but so long as my kids were managing in school, dealing with rambunctiousness at home was a price I was willing to pay.

Mentalguy, back at you, bud.  I can only second hand appreciate the challenges you have faced and overcome.

Difficult as it has been at times, I count my blessings.  Having to deal with more severe forms of autism is orders of magnitude more difficult.  As noted, please feel free to share the link with others you think might appreciate it, and thanks for the kind words.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2007, 10:31:21 AM by Sabre »
Sabre
"The urge to save humanity almost always masks a desire to rule it."

Offline texasmom

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6078
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2007, 10:47:12 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by texasmom
... self-respect for himself...
oops, I guess I screwed up that edit to make it redundant.
<S> Easy8
<S> Mac

Offline BiGBMAW

  • Parolee
  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 326
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2007, 01:41:57 PM »
My better half is a special Needs (special Ed) teacher kinder  thru 3rd grade..
Tuff stuff


Gunslinger, Have you ever read any of Michael Savages books? He has some very interesting things on Children's health an diets. Many things a kid eats can have huge effects on how they act and live.  I would agree with you ALOT that giving a kid medication is the LAST resort!!

Offline texasmom

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6078
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #10 on: November 06, 2007, 01:53:29 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by BiGBMAW
Gunslinger, Have you ever read any of Michael Savages books? He has some very interesting things on Children's health an diets. Many things a kid eats can have huge effects on how they act and live.  I would agree with you ALOT that giving a kid medication is the LAST resort!!


Really? Michael Savage?  I'm really surprised to hear that.  I gotta agree about the diet.  The kid of mine who I posted about above does fantastic at bedtime if he eats peas for dinner.  Why? I have no idea.  And frankly, I guess I don't care why, as long as I know period.  Thankfully, he loves peas... so works out great.  

He was in the special needs after school care throughout elem. school.  He was always sick of hearing 'special needs.'  He insists (correctly) that all kids have special needs...  some just need more work than others.:aok
<S> Easy8
<S> Mac

Offline BiGBMAW

  • Parolee
  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 326
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2007, 03:14:37 PM »
before savage got into radio..He was a ....dietary herb specialist ..or som esort..


He traveled the world collecting/ studying botanical stuff and effects it had on nutrition.

"healing Children naturally"

https://www.savageonlinestore.com/index.jsp

Offline texasmom

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6078
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #12 on: November 06, 2007, 03:15:46 PM »
wow ~ thanks ;)
<S> Easy8
<S> Mac

Offline BiGBMAW

  • Parolee
  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 326
For anyone dealing with Autism...
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2007, 03:17:20 PM »
He holds master's degrees in medical botany and medical anthropology and earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in nutritional ethnomedicine. he has written a number of books on herbal medicine and homeopathy.



that says it better then i did